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National Key Lime Pie Day

Food · September 26

A day for key lime pie, the tart, creamy custard pie made with small limes, sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust.

National Key Lime Pie Day falls on Sunday, September 26, 2027. That is 334 days away.

Key lime pie is a custard pie built from very few things: the juice of key limes, sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks, poured into a graham cracker crust. The filling sets into something smooth and pale, more butter yellow than green.

That color surprises people. Key lime juice is yellowish, and a filling made with it stays that way unless someone adds coloring. A bright green slice is usually a sign of food dye, not extra lime.

Key limes themselves are smaller and rounder than the common limes in most grocery stores, with thin skins and a lot of seeds. Juicing enough of them for one pie takes patience. Their flavor is sharper and more floral, which is why bakers who can find them tend to insist on them. Bottled key lime juice is a common shortcut.

The pie is strongly tied to the Florida Keys, where the limes grew and where the dish is treated as a regional point of pride. Arguments about toppings are part of the tradition. Some people want whipped cream, some want meringue, and some want nothing at all on top of the tart filling.

Marking the day usually means eating a slice, baking one at home, or trying key lime in another form, like bars or cookies. The recipe is short enough that a first attempt is reasonable, and the crust can be pressed in by hand. A cold slice, served straight from the refrigerator, holds its shape best.

Ways to celebrate

• Bake a key lime pie at home using a simple graham cracker crust.
• Compare key limes and regular limes side by side for size and flavor.
• Try key lime bars or cookies if a whole pie feels like too much.
• Settle the topping question by sampling whipped cream and meringue versions.
• Share a slice with a neighbor or coworker.

Dates

Categories: Food days